Home Modification and Repairs for Older Adults: Challenges and Opportunities for State Units on Aging: This report by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence and ADvancing States reports on a national survey

STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF AGING SERVICES (State Unit on Aging)

State Units on Aging (SUAs) are designated state-level agencies that develop and administer state plans that advocate for and provide assistance, including home modifications or repairs, to older residents, their families, and adults with physical disabilities. SUAs administer funds, including Older Americans Act funds, which may be used to support home modification or repair services through local Area Agencies on Aging and other state and local entities. Program(s) with home modification or repairs include:

Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving
Program Description: This state-funded program provides in-home services to enable individuals who are at risk of placement in a nursing facility to remain in his or her community home. A plan of care is developed that may include environmental accessibility adaptations as a service.
Population Served: New Jersey residents age 60 and older who reside in a home that they rent or own, are nursing home eligible, and have no other alternate means available.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES/DIVISION OF MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND HEALTH SERVICES

Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS)
Program Description: MLTSS provides comprehensive services and supports to residents living at home, in an assisted living facility, in community residential services, or in a nursing home. It is administered through New Jersey Medicaid’s NJ FamilyCare managed care program which coordinates all services, including home modifications when applicable.
Population Served: Individuals age 21 and older can qualify by meeting established Medicaid requirements outlined on the MLTSS website.

NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES/DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Community Care (CCP) Waiver
Program Description: Following a needs assessment, this Medicaid home and community-based services waiver program provides services that help individuals who live in a provider-managed setting, such as a group home or supervised apartment, to live as independently as possible. Services may include environmental modifications.
Population Served: Eligible individuals must meet the functional criteria of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, be reached on the CCP waiting list or at risk of homelessness, and meet specific Medicaid requirements.

NEW JERSEY STATE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) of Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ)
The State Assistive Technology Grant Program, funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, supports comprehensive, statewide programs in each state that improve the provision of assistive technology (often home modification-related) to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

NEW JERSEY STATE FALL PREVENTION COALITION

New Jersey Fall Prevention Workgroup
For an up to date list of all state fall prevention coalitions, visit: https://www.ncoa.org/resources/list-of-state-falls-prevention-coalitions/

1. To locate the Area Agency on Aging in your state, please contact Eldercare Locator at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx

2. Data Brief: Building Community Capacity to Serve Older Adults: The Role of Area Agencies on Aging in Home Modifications and Repairs
This Data Brief highlights key findings from the 2019 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging on how Area Agencies on Aging are providing and funding home modification and repair activities. It was developed by the USC Fall Prevention Center of Excellence in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging as part of the Administration for Community Living project, “Promoting Aging in Place by Enhancing Access to Home Modifications.”

3. Featured Efforts:

ATLANTIC COUNTY DIVISION OF INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICES IN NORTHFIELD, NJ

Fix-It Program
The Fix-It Program is available to seniors 60 or older and are in  need of handrails and minor home repairs, to allow them to remain safely living at home.

ESSEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES IN EAST ORANGE, NJ

Department of Citizen Services –  Division of Senior Services
The agency offers home modifications such ramps and minor house repairs for seniors.

Helping Hands for Seniors Program
County of Mercer Housing and Community Development Department
Trenton, New Jersey
The purpose of the Helping Hands for Seniors Program is to assist adults age 65 and older with the maintenance, repair, and modification of their home by providing technical and financial assistance. Recipients can receive up to $3,000 in the form of a grant.

Mr. Fix-It Program
Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disabilities & Veterans Services
Flemington, New Jersey
The Mr. Fix-it Program of the Hunterdon County Division of Senior, Disabilities, and Veterans Services is a volunteer program that provides home maintenance and repair services to residents of Hunterdon County who are age 60 and older. The program’s goal is to ensure the health and safety of older adults. It includes minor plumbing, electrical, weatherization, safety and security, and household services. This program is funded by the Older Americans Act Title III and County Funds.

Residential Maintenance Program
Burlington County Office on Aging
Westampton, New Jersey
The Residential Maintenance Program of the Burlington County Office on Aging provides supportive services to at-risk residents age 60 and older to support their health and safety. Services are provided by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department and can include replacing door locks, minor home repairs, and housing improvements.

WARREN COUNTY DIVISION OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES IN BELVIDERE, NJ

Domestic Chore  
Chore Corps Program volunteers provide minor safety or health related home repairs for Warren County residents over 60.